It's Not too Late to Join Camp Read-a-Lot!
FRIDAY CAMPFIRES ARE A HOOT
Camp Read-a-Lot, the xMinds read-a-thon fundraiser, is underway! Students (grades K-12) can join at any time during the month of July. Register here to receive reminder emails and invitations to our fun Friday Campfires! Last week's Friday Campfire featured story time by none other than Ms. Frizzle herself reading one of the books from The Magic School Bus series. Okay, it wasn't actually Ms. Frizzle--but Monica Martinez, former xMinds Executive Director, did such a great impression that we could hardly tell the difference!
Make reading a part of your child’s daily routine this summer with Camp Read-a-Lot. Pre-readers can participate, too, because being read to counts! Find out more at our Camp Read-a-Lot page.
Reading gives us somewhere to go when we have to stay where we are.
-Mason Cooley
Racial Justice in Special Education
A PANEL DISCUSSION ON JULY 23
On Thursday July 23, xMinds invites parents, educators, and other stakeholders to participate in our online panel discussion about the experience of special education students of color in schools. This panel will discuss the challenges families of color experience in the public special education system, including disproportionality in identification of disabilities, in educational placements, and in use of disciplinary actions. How can you, as a parent, know if your child has been unjustly placed in an environment that is too restrictive or if your child has been improperly tested, secluded or restrained? What are your rights as a parent? Join us to learn what you should know about these critical issues and what you can do to address these disparities. Register here.
What Does xMinds Do All Day?
TAKE A LOOK AT SOME OF OUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS
The xMinds programming year just ended, and we always like to take a look back to make sure we're fulfilling our mission in varied and meaningful ways. During the 2019-20 year, there's much that makes us proud, and we couldn't have done it without your support, so thank you! Some of the highlights:
- Created an interactive map for MCPS elementary school special education programs
- Built a distance learning resources page in response to COVID-19
- Developed an inclusive education support page
- Offered eleven speaker events (five were virtual) and four workshops
- Awarded grants to 22 educators and 5 parents for trainings
- Designed and launched a new logo
- Established a new NonSpeaking Students Committee
- Helped 21 parents through our xMinds Special Education Advocacy Assistance team
Check out the complete list of accomplishments.
Website Resources for Parents
You can still find all MCPS communication updates in one place on our website, and we're maintaining distance learning resources on our ALO Students at Home and Diploma Bound Students at Home pages. xMinds also has a page dedicated to Parent Guidance on Special Education Advocacy During COVID-19 where you can find useful information from the Maryland State Department of Education, Disability Rights Maryland and Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates. Also find our new page of Summer Camp Guide 2020.
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